23 years old very scared, pea sized lump in left breast

Cmejia, don't cry yet! It could be nothing, it could be a whole host of benign things! Also, even if it is cancer, you can do this! I was diagnosed in October with Invasive Ductal Carcinoma. I am doing chemo first (six rounds of TC) and then having a double mastectomy in March. Yay, new boobs! (I really needed them, even at age 29, they've been huge forever so I'm like, well I was gonna have to have plastic surgery at some point and now someone ELSE can pay for it!) First round of chemo was totally manageable. I was down for like four days, felt crappy for 6 but didn't stop me from doing anything I want to do). I had chemo on a Friday and worked all five days the next week (but I have a desk job so it's not like it's a lot of physical activity). I go for my second tomorrow. It seems like a huge deal when it first happens but it gets smaller in your mind as life moves on and you realize that you've got a lot of things to look forward to. And don't feel like its a death sentence, there a plenty of women who go on to live long healthy lives! If you want more info for women your age there's a Calling all Ladies in their 20's post that's great. I think it's better for us young'ns because I just believe that my side effects are more likely to be in line with other women my age so I know what to expect! Thinking good thoughts for you!

SparkleKat is right on the money! Could be nothing... and with your family history, it will be good for you to learn this vigilance... a mammogram, ultra-sound, or MRI ... none of them are 'painful' -- just a little "odd/uncomfortable" for a few minutes -- no big deal, and SO much better to know instead of worry.

These screenings will be a part of your life, with BRACA in your genes... in fact, have you had the test yet yourself? It is nothing at all to fear -- mine was just a swab to get saliva.

Take a deep breath. It's all OK. Whatever it is... it is still OK.

Try taking a long walk outside and look up at the tree tops -- listen to the birds, feel the sun on your face.

Life is great, Darlin'... and you can handle this -- no matter what happens. We are here on this earth to enjoy life... try to stay there -- in JOY.

Today -- you are FINE. You have a little lump. No big deal. Today you have no decisions to make -- and worry only wastes your time... doesn't change the lump. Worry is (believe it or not -- this is a HUGE thing to learn, and so if you get this now, it will bring more happiness to you FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE, even if you live to be 100!):

"Worry is a choice".

You can also decide to NOT worry!

Try it!

Take a bubble bath. Go to a good (upbeat) movie. Take a walk. Take a nap. Tonight... stand out in the back yard and lose yourself in the stars and this glorious (nearly-full) moon.

Life is stupendous! There is some C/W song that says something about "I wish you could live like you were dying" -- what it means is that a near-death experience (which this so-far is NOT, because you don't have a clue what the lump is yet) but having that thought that your "time is coming to an end" -- is like a ladder in the game of shoots and ladders... it can ZOOOOM you up to a more intense appreciation for the joy and beauty in life.

I had a double mastectomy and reconstructive surgery Nov 7 one year ago.

And you know what I said on New Year's Day last January?

I said (I was surprised, and very sincere!) that I had just had the BEST year of my life -- EVER!

Really -- it will be OK.

Now, try to choose JOY. Go take that walk, or bubble bath, or whatever makes you feel relaxed and HAPPY. Choosing to call friends to commisserate with, or crying in your room, or feeling "worried" are all choices you can make -- but why waste this beautiful afternoon?

We are pulling for you!

Linda

Have you had your BRCA test yet? I am assuming not as you mentioned your mother is positive, but nothing about yourself. You probably already know this, but you have a 50% chance of inheriting her mutation. And a 50% chance of NOT inheriting it and being a true negative. I encourage you to speak to a genetic counselor, if you have not.

As for the lump, at this time BREATHE and do the testing that needs to be done, like the ultrasound. I know it is difficult when you have anxiety to be told to breathe, but that is all you can do at this very moment. Even if it is not a cyst, that does not mean it is not another benign change, like a fibroadenoma. Benign lumps and bumps are quite common in young breast tissue, usually hormonal related (fibrocystic condition). Because of the possibility of a BRCA-mutation you DO of course need to be vigilant and it is good your doctor is sending you for further testing.

Hoping that it all turns out to be benign!

Edited to add: see you added you have not been tested. Please, please do see a genetic counselor before AND after you test. This is a very important part of testing that often gets skipped when doctors order the test direct. I wish they would not do this! Genetic counselors are so important for really assessing your particular risk, for reviewing your options, letting you know you DO have options, and so on. I have seen some well-meaning doctors impart some rather bad advice or directions when a negative or positive result returned. They just are not experts in this area. Ask for a referral to a genetic counselor. This is even more important as you DO have a history of anxiety.

Cme...Linda has said it all, she has given you lots of advise, me I go for keeping busy while waiting on tests, I tend not to tell too many folks and wait till I know something

then again, I end up getting, mani, pedi, facials and massage! If you have that option, it is great for taking your mind off of things

best of luck tomorrow, and to quote the stats, 80% of these alerts turn into nothing but you are so correct in getting your testing

Lots of folks will be waiting on your results

I just chanced upon this post . Cmejia0408 , You will be just fine ! Rooting for you .

Hi Cmejia,

I just wanted to say, I empathize with you!  My mom is BRCA-1 positive, and she's currently in the middle of treatment for breast cancer (she had a bilateral mastectomy, and she's about to start chemo).  My own genetic testing results are in, and my appointment with the genetic counselor to get the results is TOMORROW.  Plus I have some suspicious areas that were seen in my mammo and MRI, so I have another ultrasound to check on those on Monday.  At least I'll have my genetic info before the next set of ultrasounds!

As for saying mammograms don't hurt... that's not always true!  Mine hurt, but no more than, say, going to get an annual cleaning at the dentist.  When I got my second set of mammograms, I took some Aleve, and I was fine.  The MRI was boring and loud, but did not bother me (not even the IV).  The ultrasounds are pretty relaxing, really.

Yes, this makes me very anxious as well, and I'm not normally an anxious person.  It's just a lot to process!  But these ladies are wise... we WILL be OK!

Hugs,

Sabihah

That's excellent news! My lump was benign too (a fibroadenoma). Hopefully you can sleep a little better now, knowing that you don't have cancer! Best of luck with your BRCA test. We hope it comes back clear too.